Volume 1 Chapter 19 Bottom Z Class, Unexpected Participation In The Class Vs. Class Summer Long-Distance Swimming Competition
"Well then!"
For once, the classroom of Z Class stirred with life. Normally, our teacher would collapse onto the podium the moment class started, snoring peacefully until the bell rang. But today... he was standing. And talking. Energetically.
"What's with this aura? Feels off."
"Did Ms. Lina give him a magic boost in the infirmary?"
"Probably that. It's summer—he's probably got that old-people fatigue thing going on."
"No no, a monster must've attacked. No way he's acting like a functioning adult otherwise."
"Is the world ending? This is just like that 'Shy Shot' rumor from the otherworld."
"Monsters? Nah, this is the kingdom's central region. Super safe."
"The only thing that's dying is the teacher's stamina."
Everyone was talking nonsense.
"It's summer now. That means our big event is coming up—the school's 'Summer Remote Swimming Tournament.' Has your class decided on a strategy yet?"
Standing proudly at the podium, our teacher looked around the room.
"Uh... about that..."
"Yeah... same as every year, probably."
"We're not doing it."
"Total hassle."
The class clearly wasn't interested.
Well, I can't blame them. Z Class is made of nothing but bottom-of-the-barrel students. Except for Ran and me, everyone here is a spoiled heir or daughter from some local merchant family. None of them have the stamina or mana needed to survive a competitive event like the swimming tournament.
Worse, they've all got a deep loser complex. Back in their hometowns, they were treated like royalty. Now they're stuck here, branded as failures. Of course they'd rather sit out than embarrass themselves even more.
"I see. So no one wants to join," the teacher said with a wide smile, his bald head gleaming under the sun like a polished orb.
"Z Class never joins anyway, right, teacher?" someone said casually.
I guess this was a tradition. The game didn't mention these background details, so I had no idea.
"Mobu, what about you?"
"Huh? Me?"
"Yes, you. You and Ran are a bit different from the rest. Your way of thinking stands out."
"Right... I guess so."
I gave it some thought.
Honestly, I'm tired too. Just thinking about doing something this big is draining. I mean, I didn't even bother with the school tournament back when everyone else was hyped about it. Watching over-ambitious characters like Blaze throw themselves at it with bloodshot eyes was already exhausting.
And now we've got a remote swimming event? Sounds like another energy sink. I've seen what overwork does back in my previous life as a bottom-tier corporate slave. I'm done with that. I came to this world to chill.
I almost said that out loud—but I stopped myself.
The truth is, the tournament isn't just a class event. The top winners actually get prize money. For Ran and me, who don't have much to live on, that's huge. We need to save up if we want to survive after graduation.
If I can make it into the top ranks... there's a real chance. I've cleared this part of the game three times, and even won first place once. The tactics still live in my memory.
Yeah... maybe I should go for it. I don't have much to lose. And let's be real—I do want to see Ran in a swimsuit.
Ran looked at me, eyes full of curiosity. In my mind, I pictured her in something cute, her usual uniform swapped for a frilly swimsuit. It was a classic event in the game—one of those must-see moments. Skipping it would be a crime against fanservice.
"...Alright. I'll do it," I said.
"Wait, what? Mobu?"
"Mobu's actually fired up? This is real?"
"No way..."
The class broke into chaotic whispers.
"Reading textbooks every day is boring. I wanna move a little. Plus, if I skip, I might lose credits, right?"
"Who even cares about credits anymore?" someone muttered.
They had probably given up on graduation altogether. Most of them were just waiting to drop out and head back to their hometowns.
"If Mobu's joining... I'll join too," Ran said, raising her hand.
"Alright, alright."
With a smile like a proud grandpa, the teacher turned to the rest of the class.
"Are you all serious? This might be your only chance to see Ran in a swimsuit."
"Ugh!"
The biggest reaction of the day echoed through the room. Despite his lazy image, the teacher knew exactly how to push buttons. His words shook the boys to their core.
"I wonder what kind of swimsuit Ran will pick."
"I want something cute," Ran replied sweetly. "There was a frilly one at the school store. I liked that one."
"That swimsuit... It's divine."
"Seriously?"
Even the delinquent-types clearly knew their way around the school store mannequins.
"Teacher!"
One student stood up, practically out of breath.
"I-I'll join! If Ran and Mobu are in, then Z Class is in. It's better than missing out on seeing Ran's swimsuit!"
Bro. At least pretend it's about team spirit or something.
"If I'm lucky, I might end up swimming right behind her..."
"That's the dream!"
"For real!"
Voices shouted. Desks shook. Students leapt to their feet.
"I can't even swim, but I'll push myself for the first ten meters! Even if I drown, I'll have no regrets!"
One of them was crying, fist in the air. I recognized him—he gave a long lecture on insignia magic no one asked for during the first week of term. Total crest nerd.
"Alright, that's settled," the teacher said with a nod. "I'll submit the class's entry."
He seemed unusually enthusiastic.
"Now, as you know, this tournament isn't just about swimming. It's an all-out battle royale. Strategy matters. If we don't work together, no good results, no swimming behind Ran—none of that will happen."
"True..."
"This might be impossible..."
"We're Z Class, after all."
Sighs filled the room. Understandable. We're the lowest class in the school, lacking stamina, mana, and brains. We've got no business competing with the SSS-ranked Dragon Class—or even the A or B classes.
"Which is why," the teacher continued, "I'm putting Mobu in charge of the class strategy. Everyone okay with that?"
"Yeah, that works."
"I couldn't make a strategy if I tried."
"Mobu, just let us swim behind Ran. We're counting on you."
"Yeah, give each of us at least five minutes behind her."
Everyone turned their hopeful eyes toward me.
...How desperate are these guys?
"What do you say, Mobu?"
"Sure, teacher. I'll handle it."
I accepted casually. Worst case, we come in dead last—that's just the usual for Z Class. Even if no one gets to swim behind Ran, just seeing her in a swimsuit will be enough for them.
"But Mobu... Will we be okay? There are seven higher-ranked classes—SSS, SS, S, A, B, C, and D..."
Ran looked worried as she gently took my hand.
"We'll figure something out. The tournament has special rules. Even we, the usual last-placers, have a chance if we get creative."
"Wow... You're amazing, Mobu. I believe in you."
She squeezed my hand, her gaze full of trust.
"Good! It's settled then!" the teacher beamed.
"Let's begin the lesson. Everyone, open your textbooks. I've got work to do."
And just like that, he collapsed face-down on the podium and began snoring.
...What work? Seriously, teacher. You're just gonna nap again!?
Notes:
• Ms. Lina - Female. The kind-looking elder sister at the academy's reception desk. She has a relaxed demeanor and a gentle smile. She oversees the entrance exams and allows Blaze's impromptu battle with Mobu and Ran, noting their shared hometown. She flips through documents casually, suggesting she is organized yet laid-back.
• Ran - Female. An orphan and a close friend of Mobu. She has a gentle appearance. Ran is kind and trusting, often relying on Mobu for guidance. She survives the demon attack by hiding in the secret base with Mobu.
• Blaze - Male. The protagonist of the game, born into the wealthy Rosinore family. He has blond hair and a heroic appearance. Blaze is kind and lacks arrogance despite his status. He is destined to become a hero and defeat the Demon King. His relationship with Mobu and Ran is complex, as they are not part of the main story.
• Dragon Class - The top-ranked class at the Royal Adventurer Academy, denoted by an SSS rank. Blaze has been assigned to this class, indicating his high performance in the entrance exam.